While Belleville washers can be used individually they are generally stacked in multiple cylinder or column configurations as: – all in parallel, all stacked opposite alternately, or a combination of the two with multiples stacked alternately face-to-face. In this way a single Belleville Spring Washer has a specific load for a given deflection. Two washers stacked in parallel will yield double the load of a single washer for the same deflection; three washers will yield triple the load; four washers will yield four times the load, etc. Alternatively, two washers stacked in series will yield double the deflection of a single washer for the same load; three washers will yield triple the deflection; four washers will yield four times the deflection, etc. Various series-parallel combinations therefore can provide a wide variety of combined results of load versus deflection for the stack.
Consequently, depending upon the application, the designer can: stack in "parallel" to increase load, stack in "series" to increase deflection or adjust the load and deflection of a washer stack by adding or removing individual washers and/or the sequence in which they are used, whether in series or parallel.
Further information on Lee Spring products can be found on their website - www.leespring.co.uk or follow them on twitter - https://twitter.com/leespringuk.
